Latest news with #TLR
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Do Sharks Really ‘Play Dead'? The Complicated Truth About Tonic Immobility.
The team also documented the first-ever data on a chimaera species (Callorhinchus milii), which ... More showed no TLR response, adding an important piece to the evolutionary puzzle of this behavior in early vertebrates. Tonic immobility (TI) is a strange and fascinating behavior that turns up across the animal kingdom. From insects to fish to mammals, at its core, it's a sudden and temporary stop in movement where animals appear to freeze in place. In some, this looks like muscles locking up. In others, like many fish, the body goes limp. The causes vary why TI happens vary: pressure to a certain body part, flipping the animal upside down, or even sensory overload. And while this reaction has been seen as a defense mechanism — sort of like a opossum 'playing dead' to avoid predators — that explanation doesn't fit all species or situations. For sharks, rays, and chimaeras (collectively known as chondrichthyans), TI takes the form of muscle relaxation when inverted, something researchers call the 'tonic limp response,' or TLR. Marine biologists often take advantage of TLR during data collection, temporarily flipping these predators to keep them still, but its evolutionary role remains… well, a mystery. To explore this, scientists Joel H. Gayford and Dr. Jodie L. Rummer from James Cook University conducted a combination of hands-on experimentation and a broad literature review to better understand how widespread and variable the tonic limp response (TLR) is across cartilaginous fishes. In their experimental trials, they carefully inverted individuals from 13 different shark and ray species to see if this common method of inducing tonic immobility would cause the animals to relax, stop struggling, and begin deep rhythmic breathing, all hallmarks of TLR. Their approach was consistent, gentle, and quick to avoid stress, mimicking the standard protocol used in field research. Of the 13 species tested, just over half (seven species, to be exact) displayed the expected TLR when flipped onto their backs, while the remaining species showed no response at all. For those that did respond, the time it took for the behavior to kick in ranged from just 7 seconds in the common smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus) to 25 seconds in the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Once immobile, the duration of stillness varied dramatically too, lasting anywhere from a brief 12 seconds to over two minutes (131 seconds) in the Atlantic guitarfish (Rhinobatos lentiginosus). Importantly, the behavior was remarkably consistent within species. Every individual of a species either consistently entered a tonic state or consistently didn't, suggesting that TLR is a fixed trait at the species level, not influenced by individual variability or environmental context in the short term. Looking at all the data, the duo found no connection between TLR and body size, habitat depth, geographic range, or whether the species was a predator or not. This suggests that ecological factors (i.e. like where a shark lives or how it feeds) don't strongly predict whether it has this trait. Instead, the presence or absence of TLR seems to be deeply rooted in evolutionary history. This line of thinking would make sense with the results from the very first empirical test of TLR in a chimaera species, Callorhinchus milii, also known as the elephant fish. This cartilaginous species showed no signs of TLR when inverted, which opens up new questions about whether this trait existed in their common ancestor, was lost in chimaeras, or perhaps never evolved in this group at all. In fact, the study's models suggest TLR was likely present in the common ancestor of all chondrichthyans and has since been lost at least five times across the group (and no evidence suggests it evolved anew in any lineages). This pattern hints that TLR may be a plesiomorphic trait, or something inherited from a distant ancestor that has stuck around in some species, even if it no longer serves a clear function. Scientists tested 13 species for their TLR response and reviewed published studies of 29 additional ... More species. Some sharks froze when flipped. Others didn't. The study found that seven of the 13 species tested exhibited TLR, while six did not. There are a few ideas about what TLR might have evolved for. One is predator avoidance (that playing dead to escape danger scenario). But in the case of sharks, there's no solid evidence this works, and the mechanics of predator attacks on sharks (like suction or tearing) make it unlikely that flipping over and going limp helps. Another theory suggests TLR plays a role in mating, especially since sharks have been seen inverting females during copulation. But again, this theory has issues. TLR doesn't differ between males and females, and if going limp made females more vulnerable to unwanted mating, natural selection would likely weed that behavior out. A third idea suggests TLR might protect animals from sensory overload, like hitting a reset button. But no one's tested that theory in sharks. Taken together, the explanations don't hold up well. What's perhaps most interesting finding in this study is that among the sharks and rays that lack TLR, all are small-bodied species that live in shallow, complex habitats like coral reefs or kelp forests. These environments are 'complex' in that they are full of tight spaces and tangled structures. So, if a shark goes limp in one of these spots, especially upside down, it could get stuck or injured. That could be a strong enough risk for evolution to get rid of the trait in those environments. On the other hand, larger sharks or those living in open water wouldn't face the same risk and could hang onto TLR without much cost. As highlighted in this new research, there's still much we don't know. The chimaera tested in this study didn't exhibit TLR, but with just one species sampled, it's hard to say whether that holds true for the whole group. And some species may respond to other triggers besides inversion, like touch to sensory organs, but this study didn't test for that. Ultimately, they Australian team cautions against one-size-fits-all assumptions when it comes to evolutionary biology. Just because a trait looks similar across species doesn't mean it evolved for the same reason — or even that it's still useful today. TLR in sharks and rays might once have served a purpose that's long gone. Or it might still matter in ways we haven't figured out yet. Either way, these animals hold clues to their deep evolutionary past. And it's this very behavior that will possibly unlock more answers.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Teachers in Wokingham strike over pay cuts and more workload
Teachers at a Berkshire school have gone on strike in response to proposed changes to the Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) from Maiden Erlegh School in Wokingham said the planned changes would result in "significant pay cuts" and "unsustainable increases to their workload".The strike follows months of frustration amongst staff after the Maiden Erlegh Trust launched a consultation process to restructure TLRs across the trust said the restructure is based on a model developed by an external consultancy and didn't wish to comment further. History teacher and NEU school rep, Tom Stewart said: "This proposal undervalues the expertise and dedication of teachers who have gone above and beyond, especially during recent challenging years and excellent feedback from Ofsted." However, staff said the proposed changes would see many teachers stand to lose key responsibilities and corresponding pay, while being expected to take on additional teacher and NEU school rep, Tracey Noden-Hooper said: "Instead of recognising their efforts, the Trust is proposing cuts that would leave some teachers thousands of pounds worse off while increasing their workload.""This strike is a last resort," Rachel Teale, Geography teacher and NEU school rep said "our members do not want to disrupt students' education, but they will not stand by while their pay and working conditions are worsened. "Under a model that involves removing TLR roles while leaving the responsibilities largely in place, meaning those tasks will simply be pushed onto other colleagues, increasing pressure across the board."The National Education Union (NEU) is calling on the Trust to cancel the restructure and enter meaningful negotiations with union representatives. It said teachers want a fair and equitable system that recognises their contribution and ensures high standards of teaching without jeopardising staff wellbeing. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Top Texas donor slams Speaker Burrows, House members after legislative setbacks
The Houston Chronicle is part of an initiative with ProPublica and The Texas Tribune to report on how power is wielded in Texas. Leaders for Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the biggest donor in Texas politics, say they have a simple strategy when trying to persuade state lawmakers: 'We never make enemies,' President Lee Parsley said in late April. 'We only make friends.' But now that the Texas legislative session has concluded without lawmakers passing any of the group's three high priority bills, TLR is taking a decidedly different tact. In a blistering letter to members, Parsley called out by name the lawmakers he said stifled TLR's agenda and all but promised to take them on in primary campaigns next March. He laid much of the blame on House Speaker Dustin Burrows' shoulders. [Houston megadonor Dick Weekley and his group Texans for Lawsuit Reform are losing in the Legislature after 30 years of wins] The group's political action committee 'must redouble our efforts to elect strong, ethical, legislators who value a civil justice system that has integrity,' Parsley wrote in his letter to the group's members last week. Its signature priority, Senate Bill 30 – an effort to rein in medical costs in personal injury lawsuits – died after the House and Senate passed vastly different versions of the bill and could not reconcile the differences. 'I think it's fair to say we may look at backing some primary challengers,' Parsley said. 'We'll take a good look at what happened toward the end of session and decide how to engage politically, but the people who did not support TLR's bill fully are certainly people who will be a focus for us.' The legislative strikeout on these civil justice bills marks a low point for TLR, which won massive rewrites of the Texas civil justice code in the 1990s and early 2000s, spending millions to elect like-minded lawmakers and lobby them to pass the legislation. At its height, the group – led by Houston's most prolific political donor, the homebuilder Richard Weekley – was largely seen as synonymous with the Texas Republican Party, positioning itself as the political voice of the state's business community. The group's political action committee remains the top political spender in the state, spending $21.2 million on legislative races in 2024. The tone of its letter suggests the group could be on a warpath in the March primary elections. Instead of protecting incumbents, TLR could begin targeting members who bucked the group's wishes. 'It did feel a little strange because TLR has basically gotten everything they wanted for a long time now, and the one time it seems like they didn't, it feels like they're throwing a tantrum about it,' said Andrew Cates, a Democratic legislative lawyer and former lobbyist in Austin. 'Everybody else would have been licking their wounds and hanging back and trying to make nice.' TLR's letter alleged Burrows placed skeptical lawmakers on the key committees charged with shepherding SB30. It also called out state Rep. Marc LaHood, R-San Antonio, the main holdout on the House committee that forced significant revisions to the legislation; and state Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, who helped win passage of an amendment that TLR said made the bill 'ineffective.' It named more than a dozen other Republican members as well, several of whom defeated TLR-backed candidates in last year's GOP primaries. Cates said the group's criticism of Burrows was notable, since lobbying groups rarely take those kinds of disputes public. Burrows has been endorsed by President Donald Trump for another term, and speakers have broad power to block legislation in future sessions. 'The political capital is going to be really wasted if you come at him and miss,' Cates said. When asked if TLR would support a primary candidate against the speaker, Parsley paused and said, 'Not ready to comment on that.' Other lawmakers responded to the accusations with barbs of their own. 'Simply put, TLR lies,' LaHood wrote in a response on X. Little said in an interview, 'Obviously, they were upset with the outcome and looking for people to blame or attack, but I'll just say on my part, I forgive them and I'm not offended by any of it. I understand that their policy agenda failed.' Burrows' office did not respond to requests for comment. But Little said TLR's claim that Burrows led the effort to tank the legislation is 'not true in any way.' This year, TLR pushed three bills: SB30, which advanced the farthest but was significantly watered down as the session wore on; SB39, which dealt with civil liability for trucking companies; and SB779, which would crack down on 'public nuisance' lawsuits that cities and counties sometimes file against companies on behalf of the public. SB30 started off ambitious. The original draft, passed quickly by the Senate, would have required appellate courts to reduce or review large jury verdicts, capped medical costs by tying them to what Medicare pays out for services and combined several different lines of action for plaintiffs into one newly defined category of 'mental anguish.' One by one, each of those measures were cut. Still, even the watered-down version of SB30 did not have enough votes to get out of the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence, said state Rep. Joe Moody, one of five Democrats on the 11-member committee. The bill looked like it would languish in the committee without a vote. In its letter, TLR blamed Burrows for the committee rosters, saying his selections made it more difficult to pass the legislation. But Moody said it was Burrows who revived the bill, wanting to ensure that at least some portion of TLR's agenda made it to the House floor. On May 20, Burrows urged the committee members to renew discussions on SB30 and come up with a version that they could agree on, Moody recalled. What resulted was a 12-hour negotiation that Little was also asked to join, though he was not a member of the committee. The outcome of that meeting was a stripped-down bill that mainly would do one thing: require judges to automatically admit certain benchmarks to establish reasonable medical charges. The bill passed through the committee, with Moody and LaHood in support. TLR's letter also blasted LaHood's performance on the committee, saying it was concerned from the start that he 'was not philosophically aligned with the business community, and we were right.' It accused LaHood of fleeing the committee meeting to avoid having to vote on TLR's other two bills, meaning 'both bills would die in committee.' 'I did not 'flee' the JCJN committee room after SB30 was voted out,' LaHood wrote in response, saying his opposition to those bills was clear. 'As the Chairman knew, I left to lay out a bill in another committee. Afterward, I returned, and we continued to vote out more bills… I do not run from a fight or a tough vote.' LaHood said he was 'appalled by the breadth of what TLR was attempting to codify into law,' and he said 'TLR's ham-fisted attempt to shirk responsibility for their poorly drafted, poorly conceived bills' impugned his character along with Burrows, Little and the entire House chamber. State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Allen, who chaired the committee, put out a statement clarifying the committee meeting. He said he knew LaHood's position, which meant the bills did not have the votes to pass, and decided to shelf the bills. 'That was my decision and my decision alone,' Leach said. Committee records back up that account. They show that LaHood temporarily left the meeting and that, in his absence, two other bills failed because they did not get a majority vote, but after LaHood returned, Leach called them up for a vote again – and both passed. The other lawmaker to draw TLR's ire was Little. After the revised version of SB30 advanced to the House floor, TLR suffered one final defeat. Moody and Little were concerned about making evidence automatically admissible, since that requirement is rare in Texas law. On the floor, they introduced an amendment that would allow judges to exercise some discretion about whether to admit the evidence. For example, they would be able to consider whether the evidence was relevant to their specific case. TLR described it as a 'gutting amendment.' The group accused Little of reversing course after negotiating the bill that passed the committee. The bill 'would be killed by' Little, Parsley wrote. Moody and Little both said that was not true; they had made it clear the issue was not totally resolved during those negotiations, both lawmakers said. Little said he supported the change out of 'loyalty to the law and the application of the rules of evidence.' The House passed the amendment on a razor thin margin, 72-70, gutting the bill in TLR's eyes. Little said the vote showed that the House probably did not have the votes to pass the bill without the amendment. 'There was still one chance to save the bill,' Parsley wrote, referring to the conference committee charged with reconciling differences in the House and Senate versions. But Burrows put Little on the committee as the swing vote, ensuring the amendment would remain, he said. The House lawmakers refused to cut the amendment, and the bill died. Two days after lawmakers adjourned, TLR sent out its strongly worded letter. If TLR decides to go after the 17 GOP lawmakers who supported the amendment, it could open a new rift among House Republicans. That cohort is coming off a grueling 2024 primary season fought over issues like Gov. Greg Abbott's school voucher plan and Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment. TLR invested $14 million in the primary cycle last year, but it was on the losing side of many of those campaigns, spending roughly $6 million to back incumbents in races they lost. Among the large freshman bloc that swept into office in those campaigns, 10 cast votes against TLR by backing Moody's amendment. Those candidates had already defeated TLR's money in one primary and may have been less beholden to them than those in the past. LaHood and Little were among them. TLR gave $320,000 to Little's opponent, Kronda Thimesch, and $99,500 to former state Rep. Steve Allison, who lost to LaHood. The political action committee, however, gave money to LaHood for his general election campaign. The group's single biggest beneficiary during the primary campaign was Jeff Bauknight, doling out nearly $1 million to back his campaign for a house seat in Victoria. He lost to state Rep. AJ Louderback, R-Victoria – who voted for Moody's amendment. State Reps. Andy Hopper, Shelley Luther, Brent Money, Mike Olcott, Katrina Pierson and Wes Virdell all were namechecked in TLR's letter of what it called a 'bad session.' Each beat TLR-backed candidates in their primary campaigns last year. Others listed by TLR included veteran members who TLR has supported in the past. TLR's losses last primary season may portend trouble in trying to target members who opposed them this year. But the group still has a massive war chest of $26.8 million, according to campaign finance records. It usually reports raising about $6 million after a legislative session wraps up. It will have to disclose how much more money it has raised this year in July. 'We understand the realities of Texas politics. I think that what we're doing is the right thing.' Parsley said. 'If the litigation environment remains the same for a long period of time, they will all realize that we were right about this all along, and they will wish they'd paid more attention to us.' Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Baseball Legend Tony La Russa partners with The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes to Celebrate St. Louis Cardinals' Historic Championships
July 16 celebration in St. Louis honors iconic baseball players and veterans Wednesday, July 16, 2025 @ 6:45 PM Stifel Theatre 1400 Market Street St. Louis, MO 314-499-7600 TYSONS, Va., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is honored to partner with baseball icon Tony La Russa, for an unprecedented celebration of the St. Louis Cardinals' 2006 and 2011 World Series championships. La Russa also led the Cardinals to three National League pennants during his tenure with the team. The presentation will feature highlight videos from 2000 to 2011, with former players describing key game moments and up close and personal behind the scenes experiences. It is certain to be filled with magical moments! October appearances in the '60s and '80s will also be recognized. Players committed to attending include Rick Ankiel, Will Clark, David Eckstein, Jim Edmonds, David Freese, Al Hrabosky, Jason Isringhausen, Mike Matheny, Matt Morris, Reggie Sanders and Woody Williams. Sports broadcaster Joe Buck will also be in attendance and other players will be announced. The evening will also include special tributes to: Darryl Kile, who tied for first for the best teammate ever, and the legendary Jack Buck. Losing them in 2002 inspired the team into October. Walt Jocketty, the architect of the culture and talent that began the winning era. Tom Satterly, a multi decorated Delta Force Sgt. Major who for 20 plus years fought for our country, and now with his wife Jen, cares for returning warriors and their families. The audience will have fun with comedian Tom Cotter, runner-up in America's Got Talent Year 7. Ironically, he lost to Olathe Dogs. The program supports the missions of these nonprofit organizations: La Russa Rescue Champions and its Partnership with The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes empowering veterans as they transition from service to success in their civilian lives, including connecting them to life-changing service dogs. All Secure Foundation healing special operators and families from traumas of war. Cardinals Care improving the lives of kids. Center for Animal Rescue & Enrichment; Five Acres Animal Shelter; Home 2 Home Canine Orphanage; Open Door Animal Sanctuary; and St Louis Pet Rescue – local no kill rescue groups. The goal is to present a historic night to remember for our fans and members of the Cardinals while also contributing to special causes. Tickets are available at four levels and priced so that as many interested fans as possible can attend. Fortunately, the Stifel Theatre has great seats throughout the building. Level I - Central Div. Champs - $40 Level II - Div, Series Champs - $65 Level III - League Champs Series - $150 includes a post-event Q&A with TLR Level IV- World Series Champs - $250 includes a pre event Q&A with TLR and a post-event reception with the players and Tom and Jen Satterly. All the show participants and volunteer supporters are donating their efforts. To help defray expenses several sponsorships have been created. Each sponsorship provides an appropriate number of Level IV World Series Champs tickets! The event sponsor is ApexNetwork Physical Therapy. There are currently several sponsorships available at the $5,000 level including show's first half, show's second half, military segment and veterans and first responder guests. Additionally, a post-event reception sponsorship is available for $4,000 and two pre and post-show Q&As at $2,500 each. There is also a unique travel sponsorship that covers the total air fares for participants at $1,000 per responder travel team members will each receive two Level IV World Series Champs tickets. "We hope you, family and friends will join us and bring your legendary enthusiastic support!" said LaRussa. Tickets are available through Also, directly at the Stifel Theatre Box Office. Open at 12:00 on days the theatre hosts an event! For further information, leave a message at 925-395-1505. About PenFed Foundation for Military HeroesFounded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success in the civilian world. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. PenFed Credit Union covers most of the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PenFed Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Personal injury, trucking lawsuit bills die
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A pair of bills backed by Texans for Lawsuit Reform, aimed at reducing large jury verdicts in personal injury and trucking accident cases, died this legislative session. Senate Bill 30 — filed with the goal of 'curbing nuclear verdicts' — and Senate Bill 39 were two of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's priority bills for this legislative session. Under SB 30, a jury would have heard if an attorney referred their client — and others over the past two years — to a specific doctor. That provider would have had to submit an affidavit that treatment was reasonable and disclose any agreement guaranteeing they are reimbursed for treatment costs in a settlement. Medical expenses would be reimbursed based off rates paid by Medicare and workers' compensation insurance. Critics said the bill would have required victims to introduce evidence unrelated to their case or care and could have unintentionally made it harder for sexual assault survivors to hold abusers accountable. Deadly truck crash foreshadows fight between business, safety at Capitol The bill was amended in the House, but those changes were not approved by the Senate. 'Today, a kind of fraud is occurring in courtrooms across Texas, as personal injury attorneys and collaborative doctors manufacture medical bills and present them to jurors as if they are legitimate,' said TLR President Lee Parsley. 'This unethical activity is increasing insurance premiums for every business operating in Texas. Ultimately, the increased cost of doing business is being paid by every Texan. We are disappointed the legislature did not enact laws necessary to stop this well-documented, barely hidden abuse of our legal system.' Another bill, SB 39, took aim at commercial vehicle lawsuits. Patrick said the bill was about 'protecting Texas trucking.' Critics said it would have presented new legal hurdles to make it harder for injured victims to introduce evidence about a company's alleged negligence. Debate about the bill occurred at the same time a truck driver was arrested for causing an 18-vehicle pileup on Interstate 35 in north Austin, killing five people and injuring 11 others, according to Austin Police. Last year, a KXAN investigation first revealed the intention of TLR and a coalition of businesses to back bills this legislative session aimed at lawsuit reforms as a way to stop what it called 'nuclear verdicts' and bring down rising insurance rates. 'For four decades, Texans' legal rights have been under constant assault by corporate lobbyists at the Texas Capitol. This session, lawmakers said 'no more,' rejecting SB 30 and SB 39,' countered consumer advocate Ware Wendell, with the nonpartisan group Texas Watch. 'The bills' backers sought to undermine the Rules of Evidence, putting their thumbs on the scales of justice. Juries deserve to hear the whole truth upfront, and judges deserve to rule on these matters. Our independent judiciary was protected when these bills died.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
